Thinking of a road bike, steel? Touring?

[molasses85]

Thank you again everyone! I'm so glad to read about differing experiences. Please bear with me and my long post!

Hi Ho Silver, interesting on the two bikes and the tires. Your post and Kiwi Stoker's helps in not discounting carbon.

Trek 420 and Savra, thanks for the info on the LHT. One LBS said to consider that if I felt way too stretched out on the 46 I might still feel stretched out on the 42 because the difference on the top tube is only about a half inch. Then again, the employee at the LBS where I tried the 46 was not too helpful and acted like he couldn't be bothered. He didn't go any further about the fit and how it could be helped.

Something I didn't think about until now was the Fuji I tried. When I first tested it, the bike felt pretty good. However my leg wasn't extended as much so the employee adjusted the saddle higher. The bad part was that I no longer felt as comfortable in the cockpit. Any thoughts on that?

I recently tried the Cannondale Quick (53.5 TT). It felt upright and comfortable. I really liked it. However, if I had to be a little nitpicky I would say that it felt maybe a hair slow. The comfort factor was there except for the saddle. That would be the first thing I'd change. The employee noticed that the nose of it was a little wide.

I can't totally discount the Synapse. By numbers it doesn't look like it should fit me (so why does it seem to seem to when the Surly shouldn't?). Also drop bars might not be best for me as a recreational/possible commuter, but I sure enjoyed that initial test ride.

Everyone and Owlie, I think ultimately it's try everything, aluminum, carbon, steel, flat bar, drop bar and find what's the most comfortable!